Not just for decoration the tachymeter, commonly found on many watches, is an intriguing tool that has seen much use over decades of watchmaking and precision measuring. The tachymeter has cemented itself as a crucial feature on many sports and dress watches due to its ability to precisely measure speed, distance, and time.
The tachymeter allows you to measure the speed of an object over a given time frame. This feature can be especially useful for measuring the speed of a vehicle while driving, running, or cycling, among other uses. In brief, it works by dividing the total time elapsed for a certain distance — often a mile — by the number of seconds it took to complete the trip. So, if it took 60 seconds to cover one mile, then the user would have a reading of 60 mph on the tachymeter.
Put simply, a tachymeter is simply a means of converting elapsed time (in seconds per unit) to rate (in units per hour).
The word “tachymeter” is made up of the Greek words “takhos,” meaning “speed,” and “metron,” meaning “measurement.” Though its modern usage is associated primarily with watches, the word dates back to the 19th century when it was used to refer to an instrument that was used to measure the velocity or speed of something over a period of time.
The tachymeter started gaining popularity in the late 1950’s, during the golden era of motorsport. It was commonly used in conjunction with chronographs such as the Rolex Daytona and Tag Heuer Carrera. These became the must-have sports watches.
Most watches come with an easy-to-read tachymeter bezel that’s marked with special markings and numerals. To use the tachymeter, the user simply lines up the starting numerals — usually zero — with the second hand. As the object moves in one direction the second hand will move around the bezel and the user can then use the tachymeter to figure out the distance traveled in a given time.
The tachymeter is also often designed to be able to measure other types of distances, such as kilometers and miles per hour. This feature makes it even more useful, as it can give users a complete measurement of either speed, time, or distance in a single device.
In conclusion, the tachymeter can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to time and measure their speed. Whether it be running a race or driving a car.
Taking a few moments to familiarize yourself with the different settings of your tachymeter can be a great way to make the most out of your watch. With a little practice, you’ll be able to accurately measure distance, speed, and time quickly and easily.
The Rolex Daytona Ref. 116506 is one of the most celebrated sports watch models currently available, made famous from it’s motorsport pedigree. And Paul Newman!
From its reliable construction to its classic design, the Rolex Daytona is a timepiece that truly stands out from the pack. The tachymeter features a striking scale, arranged in a linear pattern that curves along the watch’s inner bezel.The markings are easy to read clearly defined, helping its user’s quickly and accurately measure speed, distance, and time.
All in all, Rolex did an excellent job with the Daytona’s tachymeter design, and it is definitely worth a closer look.
The Tag Heuer Carrera CBN2A10 is a stunning sports watch with a classic design featuring a green chronograph dial.
This watch is perfect for any style, dress, or occasion. It offers great versatility with a stainless steel 44mm case and bracelet and a folding clasp ensuring a secure fit.
The green dial is spectacular and enables easy and clear reading of the hour markers. In addition, the watch is water resistant up to 100m. The tachymeter feature on the stainless steel bezel is crisp and clean. The black and silver markings are spaced around the bezel in an easily readable manner, helping with the measurement of distance, speed, and time.
The Tag Heuer Carrera is a truly eye-catching timepiece that will make any wrist look great.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a legendary watch, iconic for its involvement in the Apollo 11 mission and is commonly referred to as “the first watch on the moon.”
Featuring a durable stainless steel case and an iconic black and tachymeter. The Speedmaster is respected for its unrivalled precision and overall sturdy construction. The tachymeter was famously used to time the Apollo 11 mission and has become a hallmark of the Omega Speedmaster collection. The black fixed bezel and silver markings make it easy to read and understand, even in intense conditions.
In addition, Omega has outfitted the Speedmaster with a manual wind chronograph movement, making it as reliable as ever.
In short, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a timepiece known for its reliable design, durability, and dependable tachymeter feature. It is a classic, and deserves recognition for its historical importance and ongoing legacy in the world of horology.
Renowned watch brands offer a wide selection of Tachymeter watches, each with their own unique design and technical features. Brands like Rolex, Tag Heuer and Omega have produced exceptional timepieces that combine precision, durability, and luxury.
Feel free to peruse our carefully curated selection of watches below.
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In conclusion, a GMT watch is a valuable tool for those who require easy tracking of multiple time zones. Its functionality, combined with the craftsmanship and elegance offered by luxury watch brands, makes it a sought-after timepiece for collectors and frequent travelers alike. Explore our collection and let BQ Watches assist you in finding your ideal luxury pre-owned GMT watch.
